TSI Security Warning Update for Apple Users

Last week TSI alerted our clients to the latest security threat that may affect the operations of their businesses. The threat is a new version of Ransomware which is rapidly spreading.

The virus, which was originally disguised as an email attachment, uses macros to install malware onto your machine. Once installed, most of your documents become encrypted and will be unable to open without the key (password), which the hackers only provide upon payment using hard-to-trace currencies. The ransom can range from $300-$5,000. Full Story

Update: Apple Users

It now appears for the first time that Apple users are being targeted. It has been widely reported that the virus is now infecting Macs using a copy of a program known as Transmission, a data transfer file sharing network. When you download version 2.90 of Transmission, which was released on Friday, your Mac becomes infected with the ransomware.

The ransomware is programmed to activate three days after infecting a computer, then connect to the attacker’s server and begin encrypting files.

Our Recommendations

Apple has taken steps to prevent further infections over the weekend, as well as removing the malicious version of Transmission from its website. On Sunday, a new version of Transmission was released which automatically removes the ransomware from infected Macs. You can download the latest version here: